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Fight Credit Card Fraud with Common Sense
By now, you have undoubtedly heard of credit card fraud, an
alarming and damaging trend that is sweeping the country. Here's
the bad news: It is disturbingly easy for thieves to obtain your
credit card number--usually from discarded receipts or even
directly from you. For instance, many solicitors masquerade as
legitimate businesspeople--like those who offer vacation
packages, for instance--when, in fact, they're looking for you to
innocently hand over your credit card number so they can rack up
illegal charges.
The good news is that there are many ways you can proactively
and effectively protect yourself against credit card fraud:
-If your credit card has been lost or stolen, report it
immediately to the card issuer. You are not obligated to pay for
unauthorized charges once you report the loss.
-Sign new cards immediately once they arrive in the mail. Once
you receive them, carry them in a separate case from your
wallet.
-Notify credit card companies if you are about to move, either
temporarily or permanently.
-Never offer your account number over the phone unless you're
dealing with a reputable and legitimate company. If you have any
question about a company, contact the Better Business Bureau
(http://www.bbb.com ).
-Don't let your credit card out of your sight-not even for a
minute-when you're using it. It only takes ten seconds for
someone to covertly write down your account number and name.
-Things to destroy: Carbon copies and incorrect receipts.
Things to keep in a safe place: A record of account numbers and
legitimate receipts for comparison to billing statements.
-Don't sign blank credit card receipts. Draw a line through
blank portions of the receipt where bogus charges can be
added.
Above all, don't forget to use common sense when you're
dealing with your credit card. Don't lend your card to anybody.
Don't carry around cards you rarely use. And never, ever write
your account number where someone can see it?not even on an
envelope! You CAN prevent credit card fraud from happening to you
and your loved ones by following these simple practices.
For more information on credit card fraud and other credit
issues, please visit http://www.informedcredit.com
Beth West has an extensive background in marketing and public
relations, serving in management positions in both the
hospitality and software industries. Currently acting as the
Director of Marketing for InformedCredit, Beth is also trying to
launch a freelance writing business.
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